Better Tech Pol for Better Dis

1.5 Credits · Level: Graduate

Responsible Revolution: Better Tech Policy for Better Disruptions. This next phase of the Digital Era, very early hallmarks of which include cryptocurrency (distributed computing), ChatGPT (Artificial Intelligence), and augmented and virtual reality, will bring massive disruption to the economy and by extension, society. The technologies are advancing faster, and consumers are adopting them faster than policymakers are able to understand and regulate them in ways that serve society’s best interests. Indeed, the very institutions of democracy are challenged by the scale, scope and speed of the Digital Age. This state of affairs has long been true for phases of technological evolution, but the speed, scale and scope at which our newest innovations of this Digital Age are emerging and being embraced by the public is leaving policy, and thus considerations foundational to a healthy democracy such as the equality of economic opportunity, the rule of law and consumer protections, and inclusivity, further behind than ever. Public policymakers are defaulting to enforcement of outdated regulations while the companies producing these innovations either don’t understand the need to prioritize stewardship alongside growth, or want to collaborate with government but have few frameworks for doing so. Hanging in the balance are American economic competitiveness but more importantly, innovations that could advance democratic values such as economic fairness across the country and around the world. This course will give students practical insight into the role up-and-coming policymakers in both the private and public sector can play in the near future of the Digital Era. Students will gain a baseline understanding of the emerging technologies, the political dynamics driving their adoption, and the potential for policymakers to close the gap and produce beneficial outcomes. They also will learn skills necessary to communicate effectively about policies to key stakeholders. Each week, we will hear from leading practitioners and discuss readings and real-time events to inform students’ capstone assignment—to propose new frameworks for tech policymaking. Examples of covered technologies could include distributed computing/web3, artificial general intelligence, quantum computing, and/or social media (augmented/virtual reality). This seminar is designed to build upon the Fall I module PPOL 6712 Technology and Democracy, though it is not a prerequisite. Both seminars are the next phase of a deliberate journey, launched in Fall 2022, to establish Georgetown’s McCourt School of Public Policy as the thought leader and flagship educational institution at the intersection of tech innovation, disruption and public policy. We aim to leverage the School’s location in DC, and its reputation for excellence beyond DC, to create a new body of knowledge and cadre of leaders using tech policymaking to bring about a more socially beneficial, equitable, and inclusive future.